Enhancing Perfomance and Managing Fatigue in High Workload Athletes and Dancers

UKSCA Coach Considerations

Dr. Jamie Tallent’s presentation at the UKSCA 2024 conference explored how micro-dosing and high-frequency training can significantly impact performance in elite athletes. Drawing on his extensive experience with organisations like the Royal Ballet, Dr. Tallent discusses how these training methods can be used to manage high workloads without sacrificing performance. By splitting traditional strength and conditioning sessions into smaller, more frequent doses, athletes maintain consistency, reduce fatigue, and enhance physical adaptations. This approach has shown particular success with dancers, where training intensity and workload fluctuate, allowing them to maintain strength and jump height throughout the season. Dr. Tallent also highlights that, although initially met with scepticism, athletes and coaches alike have embraced the benefits of this training model. His work emphasises that no single method is universal but tailoring strategies to specific environments is key to achieving the best results. By incorporating these lessons, practitioners can enhance training efficiency and support athlete development more effectively. This podcast was recorded live at the UKSCA Annual Conference. Supporting materials and the full video presentation are available on the UKSCA website. Visit www.uksca.org.uk for more details.